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The Washington Township couple and parents of three children ages 1 to 7 recently listed the product for $12 each on eBay at “Multi-Purpose Bib.” People may also obtain the product by calling (586) 709-3744 or e-mailing kro1026@comcast.net.

The purpose of the device, which features a strap to keep a feeding bottle in place, is to allow a caretaker to have a free hand while feeding a baby.

Available in several different patterns and colors, the bib is made with a washable, non-allergenic fabric that is cotton soft.

Prior to this year, the Krolczyks had only distributed the multi-purpose bib to friends and family, “and they all use them,” Virginia said.

“We have something people want,” she said. “I don’t know anyone who has gotten one that doesn’t like it.”

Kenneth designed the bib after the couple had their first child, Brennan, 7, when the couple lived in West Bloomfield. The family moved from Macomb Township to Washington Township in April.

The couple’s other children are Alena, 5, and Viveca, 1.

“We looked around and researched bottle holders, and (every device) had to be attached to a stroller or crib, or to your body,” Virginia said.

The couple kept the product idea to themselves for years for fear someone would steal their idea, and then searched for a company to manufacture the product, eventually hiring one before deciding to manufacture and market the item themselves.

The couple used the bib with all their children, especially with their third child.

“We used it all the time with (Viveca), everywhere we went, and friends asked for them and that’s when we started giving them to friends and family,” Virginia said. “We make them ourselves. We bought a (sewing) machine and took a sewing class, and developed a process of design through packaging.”

Kenneth said the biggest benefit of the product is that a parent or caretaker does not have to stop to feed a child, but can continue with other activities, such as driving a car or pushing the infant in a stroller, or can use a free hand to sip a beverage, read a book or use a remote control.

“But we want to stress (the multi-purpose bib) is not for leaving a child alone,” Kenneth said. “It’s definitely not meant to be a feeding device so you can leave the baby alone.”

A warning is sewn on each bib stating infants should not be left unattended when the device is being used.

“We think it’s so great it could catch on and become the next best thing,” Kenneth said.

“It’s not about making money. It’s something we believe will be very helpful for parents and grandparents,” Virginia said. “We almost feel guilty for keeping it a secret so long.”

The couple said using the product helps caretakers reduce stress in their lives.

They said one man bought the device to help feed his disabled daughter, while another parent used two of the bibs while feeding twins.

Inventing the multi-purpose bib and making the first bibs was a fun process, and Kenneth said he is mulling ideas for other inventions.

“Ideas are churning,” he said, without revealing more information, “but we’re working on this now, pushing it really hard because we believe in it.”

Virginia said the bibs would also make excellent items for use in daycare centers, nurseries and hospitals.

She said the best part of inventing, making and marketing their own product is the gratification they feel knowing people are using the bibs, “and they like it and they’re happy.”